All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy: How Ebira Avaibe Association Celebrates Unity

By Dada Ahmed

There are moments when a familiar saying steps out of the pages of a textbook and finds fresh meaning in real life. One such moment unfolded on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ebira Avaibe Association, EAA,nestled within the Aneibo Housing Estate, Gadumo, a quiet suburb of Lokoja, Kogi State.

Against a backdrop of laughter, handshakes, intimate conversations,shared love,unity coupled with the aroma of well-prepared delicacies, the age-old aphorism—“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”,came alive. Members of the association turned out in high spirits, not merely to relax and socialize, but to celebrate a year they described as fulfilled, fruitful and memorable.

The gathering was more than a social rendezvous. It was a deliberate pause to reflect, to give thanks to Almighty God for preservation, progress and protection from the vagaries of life, and to renew a collective vow to unity, social cohesion and community development,values that sit at the very heart of the Ebira Avaibe Association.

From the opening prayers to the closing exchanges of goodwill, gratitude to Almighty God flowed freely. Faces told stories of survival, challenges and success; conversations echoed shared struggles and collective hopes. It was a reunion that blended purpose with pleasure, seriousness with celebration.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Association, Hon. Musa Akaba, struck a tone of appreciation and resolve. He thanked God for sustaining both the association and its members and expressed deep gratitude to members for their unwavering support, which he said had continued to strengthen the group.

Hon. Akaba urged members to deepen their commitment by attending meetings regularly and contributing ideas capable of driving the association’s mission and vision to greater heights. According to him, participation is the lifeblood of any progressive organisation.

He explained that the association,described as the first of its kind in Aneibo Housing Estate,in living memory,was formed to bring Ebira people in the area together to share experiences, encourage self-actualisation and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Egbiraland and society at large.

With special reference to the elders, the chairman commended their guidance and sacrifices, assuring members that their collective efforts would yield dividends in unity, harmony and social progress.

Hon. Akaba also took time to commend Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what he described as people-centred governance, particularly in the areas of workers’ welfare, inclusive leadership, governance and improved security. He noted the administration’s resolve in confronting banditry and other criminal activities across the state is yielding the desired results.In the same breath, he hailed former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his steadfast support for the Ododo-led government.

No celebration is complete without meticulous planning, and the chairman did not fail to acknowledge the woman leader of the association,Mrs Blessing Dauda and her team for their outstanding organisation.

Our correspondent reports that their efforts of the woman leader and her team ensured that members not only ate to their satisfaction but that some returned home with food and drinks to share with their families,proof that joy multiplies when shared.

Adding his voice, the Patron I of the association, Malam Usman Obansa, praised members for their support while gently challenging them to improve attendance at meetings. He stressed that robust participation would allow members to pool ideas more effectively for the growth and sustainability of the association.

Other members, in their contributions, emphasised unity and communal living as the core agenda of the association. They called for innovative contributions and called for a dependable monthly contribution to be channeled into economic ventures capable of yielding tangible benefits for members and the wider community.

The historical consciousness of the gathering was further enriched when the Vice Chairman, Malam Momojimoh, took members on a brief journey into the history of the Ebira people. He reminded the audience that the Egbiras possess a rich and distinctive identity,one that has endured over time and which cannot be eclipsed by their contemporaries in Nigeria.

As the sun dipped lower and conversations lingered, one thing was clear: the gathering had achieved its purpose. It was a celebration of work done, a reward for perseverance, and a reminder that progress is sweeter when seasoned with fellowship.

Indeed, that Saturday at Aneibo Housing Estate, there was no dull moment as members of the Ebira Avaibe Association not only ate to their satisfaction but also demonstrated unity and oneness in practical terms

Members left the venue of the two-hour social gathering,fondly called “Toget”with a deep sense of fulfillment and renewed commitment to the unity and development of Egbiraland.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.